Lawrence coalition discusses anti-war resolution

Township Council opts not to act on proposal.

By: Lea Kahn
   For weeks, the Lawrence Coalition for Peace Action has been gathering signatures on a petition that opposes an attack on Iraq and also urges Township Council to join it in its opposition.
   Tuesday night, more than a dozen township residents appeared before Township Council, armed with a resolution — based on the petition — that they sought to have adopted by the council.
   But Township Council, citing legal constraints, declined to amend its agenda and put the resolution on for a vote. Resolutions may be placed on the council’s agenda only by township officials — the municipal manager, the municipal attorney or a council member.
   The resolution claims a United States-led war against Iraq could have a "significant impact" on township residents due to loss of life and disability among soldiers. It would have an economic impact by diverting money from social services to the war effort, and it would inflict injury on Iraqi civilians.
   And a pre-emptive military attack on Iraq would violate international law and portions of the United Nations charter, which permits the use of force only in self-defense against actual — not potential — threats, according to the resolution.
   Lawrence Coalition for Peace Action member Carol Lerner told the council the group represents more than 300 people who have signed the anti-war petition so far. A petition similar to the one presented to Township Council has been approved by the governing bodies of 93 cities and towns across the country, including Paterson, Newark and Princeton Borough in New Jersey, she said.
   Ms. Lerner said a resolution of the type that the coalition is presenting is not without precedent in Lawrence. She reminded the council that 21 years ago, a petition was submitted to the council that sought to freeze nuclear weapons.
   Robin Williams, also a coalition member, said that if the United States launches a pre-emptive attack on Iraq, it would be viewed as having committed crimes against humanity. Such a war also would be costly to township residents — about $700 to $1,500 per taxpayer, if the costs of the war are apportioned, she said.
   Naomi Drew said she would be proud if Township Council could take a stand against an Iraqi war. Many experts have examined the proposed war and they have concluded that it could make this country less secure — not more secure, she said.
   It is impossible to tie Iraq to the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Ms. Drew said. It is not possible to say that a war against Iraq will prevent future terrorist acts, because there is no such link between the terror attacks and Iraq, she said.
   Another issue that should be considered is the United States’ standing in the world community — a standing that is starting to slip away, she said. The United States must decide whether it wants to go down in history as an aggressor or as a peacemaker, she added.
   Ms. Drew acknowledged that such issues not typically ones addressed by Township Council, but it is in fact a local issue. Everyone has children and all parents want their children to be safe, she said.
   The last time the United States went to war against Iraq, said Michael DaCruz, it was not a complete invasion. Still, more than 13,000 Iraqis were killed — innocent civilians who had nothing against us, he said. An attack on Iraq means this country will have blood on its hands, he added.
   Making his point against a potential Iraqi war, Damon DellaFave told the council that his grandfather’s experience as a soldier in World War II left him a changed man — and not for the better. Those changes had a lasting impact on the entire family, he said.
   Mr. DellaFave also related the story of a high school friend who served in the military during the Gulf War. His friend, who had been a happy-go-lucky person, returned from the war, also as a changed person. He later committed suicide, Mr. DellaFave said.
   Mr. DellaFave said it is "undeniable" that war and killing changes people in profound ways. The wartime experiences of his grandfather and his friend changed both men, and had an effect on the communities in which they lived and on their families, he said.
   Diane Subber told Township Council that a small group of people often can accomplish great things when they come together. The council can do big things by adopting the petition, she said.
   When the last resident had finished speaking, Mayor Greg Puliti replied that a proposed Iraqi war is "a very complex and emotional issue." The only way for the coalition’s resolution to be placed on the council’s agenda is for a township official to request it.
   If Township Council should decide against including the resolution on a future agenda, arrangements could be made to provide the minutes of this meeting and send them on to U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, Sens. Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg, and President George W. Bush, Mayor Puliti said.
   Deputy Mayor Mark Holmes said that while he personally opposes a war against Iraq, he is not convinced that Township Council should entertain putting such a resolution on its agenda. He said he did not want to impose his personal views on his Township Council colleagues.
   Councilwoman Pam Mount said she has not decided whether the resolution should be included on the council’s agenda. Soldiers, sailors and airmen must obey their orders, she said, adding that she would be reluctant to send a message to them that indicates citizens do not support them.
   But Councilman Rick Miller said he would not support such a resolution. He told the audience that he lost a family member in the attack on the World Trade Center, another family member recently enlisted in the military, and a friend who is serving in the military has been transferred to Kuwait.
   Mr. Miller said he does not want to see any further harm come to Lawrence Township or its residents from a terrorist act — but at the same time, he does not want to tie the federal government’s hands in dealing with the situation. The leaders have more information than the average citizen, he said.
   "I don’t believe in sitting back and doing nothing," Mr. Miller said. "But being straight and honest, I don’t think I have enough information to limit our leaders. I appreciate your opinions."